AIP is field-testing the first of its Newspaper-in-a-Box (NiB) software tools to help improve advertising management in grassroots newspapers.

Grassroots publishers can now get discounts of up to 20% on crucial software production tools such as InDesign and Photoshop.

AIP has helped nine pioneering publishers establish South Africa's first Vernacular Press Forum (VPF) to help develop indigenous African language newspapers.

The biggest challenge facing many grassroots publishers is access to national or even provincial advertising. AIP has therefore launched South Africa's first forcused research into ways for the grassroots media to improve its share of the national advertising pie.

The MAPPP-Seta has just approved funding for the ‘pilot’ phase of AIP’s new bursary scheme for grassroots publishers, media managers, editors, and other production staff. The pilot will see 18 journalists from AIP member publications qualify for all-expenses-paid training.

AIP has launched an initiative to develop essential software tools and 'how to' manuals for grassroots publishers - including automated systems for managing everything from advertising bookings to distribution.

AIP has partnered with the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) to create a special ‘entry-level’ certificate for grassroots or community newspapers that will help improve the sector’s credibility.